This lithograph was taken from plate 5 of 'Afghaunistan' by Lieutenant James Rattray. He wrote of this scene: "After a march of 210 miles through the most desolate and terrific mountain passes in the world, the view ... bursts suddenly on the delighted eyes of the fastness-wearied soldier."

The encampment of the troops led by General Sir William Nott lay on the vast plain of Chaman-e-Shah. Kabul is pictured in the distance. Towering above all are the heights of Paghman. Rattray wrote that if this commanding and secure site had been taken earlier during the Afghan campaign, it "in all probability could have prevented that long series of unparalleled disasters, reverses, crimes and errors, which ended in our total annihilation." A mark in the high road, running through the centre of the sketch, indicates the spot where Shah Shuja was murdered.